On March 8, 2025, in honor of International Women’s Day, Gate Charity organized a sexual health education and free screening initiative in Cotonou, Benin. The event aimed to raise awareness among local youth and adolescents about sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV/AIDS, reduce stigma surrounding sexual health topics, and enhance community health consciousness—especially among women and young people. By offering free health screenings, Gate Charity also sought to improve early disease detection rates, reinforcing its commitment to advancing women’s and youth health in Africa and promoting gender equality through action.

Bridging the Gap: Addressing Health Education & Medical Service Shortages
Despite international efforts, public health education in Africa still faces significant barriers due to stigma, misinformation, and limited medical resources. The lack of proper channels for sexual health information leaves adolescents and young people—one of the highest-risk groups for STIs and HIV—particularly vulnerable.

Gate Charity recognizes that women’s and adolescent health is not just a public health issue but also a crucial factor in achieving gender equality. This initiative was designed to create a safe, open, and inclusive dialogue on sexual health, empowering young people with the right knowledge and self-protection skills while filling critical gaps in local health education and medical access.

Collaborating with Local Organizations to Ensure a Healthier Future
Gate Charity partnered with local organization ABPF (Association Béninoise pour la Promotion de la Famille) to host this impactful event.
The event attracted localadolescents and young adults actively participating, engaging with medical experts and psychological counselors from various local health institutions.

Through interactive lectures and group discussions, participants learned about:

• Common misconceptions about STIs and HIV
• Modes of transmission and prevention strategies
• Available treatment options

This open and informative setting helped dispel fear and stigma, providing participants with scientific, fact-based knowledge about sexual health.

In addition, Gate Charity provided free HIV and STI screenings for women and youth at the event, ensuring:

• Anonymous and voluntary participation, fully respecting individuals’ privacy
• Pre- and post-screening counseling by professional medical personnel
• Ongoing medical and psychological support for those who tested positive, with referrals to local healthcare facilities for proper treatment

Participants received sexual health handbooks and practical educational materials. They also had one-on-one consultations with experts, equipping them with knowledge on maintaining sexual health, managing diagnosis outcomes, and accessing further support.

Promoting Health Equity & Gender Equality for a Better Future

Gate Charity leveraged International Women’s Day as a platform to highlight the inseparable link between health equity and gender equality. The event reinforced the fundamental belief that everyone deserves access to essential healthcare services.

Looking ahead, Gate Charity is committed to expanding its outreach to underdeveloped regions, bringing health empowerment initiatives to more underserved communities. Through love and compassion, Gate Charity aspires to bridge healthcare gaps and ensure that quality health services are within reach for all.

Disclaimer
All content related to this event is for charitable purposes only. The information provided is for reference only and does not constitute professional advice. None of the event’s content constitutes a solicitation, recommendation, endorsement, or offer for any service or product. Gate Charity reserves the final interpretation rights for this event and all related content. For any inquiries, please contact support@gatecharity.org.